Singe blinks, exiting a daze. He scans the room and frowns. "Shanolia, could you go secure that table over there? I'll see about finding some chairs." He points at the only empty table. "Alright. Try not to be too long, my head is still spinning." Shanolia quickly glides over to the table and leans on it for support. All the unoccupied chairs have been pulled away from it and into audience seating. Frowning again, Singe rejoins Shanolia. "Unfortunately, there seems to only be seating in the audience."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Allistra Aurayaun stands at about six feet tall. Standing atop the stage it looks almost like her head could hit the ceiling had this establishment not had a peaked roof. Her eye twitches a bit, but whether from stress or stage-fright, you're not sure. It's rare for her to speak above a whisper, so her voice is barely loud enough to hear when she finally does talk. "I'm going to start this evening out by saying thank you to Lord Viscardi. Not only has he supplied the funds for this stage, but he's hosting this event on the very first day of its unveiling. As you all are aware, food and drink is on him tonight."
"Hear hear!" A man says in the audience. This is followed by numerous parrots of the phrase as tankards are raised.
Polly, the girl on the pig, hops about, exited to finally get the night started.
She gestures for quite and continues, "Viscardi has put a price on this entertainment. One that I would love to get myself." She smirks. "The way it works is that each guest has been given ten stones. Each stone has a different color. Each performance has a different color. Match the stone to the performance you liked best. The color with the biggest count, wins. Simple." She tosses something in the air and catches it quickly, as if years of dice games has honed her hand-eye coordination. She presents it to the audience. The participants watching grin, the guests stare in awe. The diamond looks flawless...
"Shall we begin?" She asks. Reaching into her pouch she pulls a stone, glances at it, and tosses it in the bucket onstage. "Pink," she says.
With a smile, the woman that was attached to Viscardi's hip stands. She's lithe, tall, and has exotic features. As she walks forward she drops her robes to reveal her clothes beneath. Her clothing sparkles in the lamplight as she moves, and each step the strands seem to dance in a rhythm of their own. It's amazing to behold, as the exposed skin of her body has scales that shimmer as well. The Pureblood begins her dance to the beat of a drum, and the audience watches with mouths' agape.
The minute that Lera laid eyes on Viscardi, she knew what she had to. "Clever experiment you made, I especially liked the bit where you bought out the entire paper and watched us struggle from the comfort of your room. You’ll see many groups that may have completed your Challenge, but ours is the only one that knows what it really is, and I reckon that piece of information is more valuable than anything on the list," she said to him using her message cantrip. He didn't seem to respond, although he did smile at Woe.
But then, the child came in. Children were much easier to get talking... "Hello, little one, my name is Lera. You have a very cool pet there, what's its name? You can just think back to me and I'll be able to hear you," she messaged to the little girl riding the pig.
"Who is this!?" She looks around as if expecting someone to be whispering in her ear.
"I'm Lera! I'm the one with the blonde-ish hair over by the entrance. I'm using magic to talk to you, because I don't want to be rude to the performers. Do you see the man with dark hair next to me? That's my dad, and he's going to sing soon."
The girl swivels her head around, finally catching sight of you. Slowly, a big grin crosses her face. "This is so cool! How did you do that?" Then the smile slowly fades. "I'm not voting for you because of this."
"It's a spell called message. I'll be honest, I'm not a very good teacher, otherwise I'd offer to help you learn. And I'm not trying to get your vote, I'm not even the one performing! I was just curious, and looking for a friend here. What's your name?"
Her eyes narrow as she looks you up and down. She then turns her attention toward the stage. "I'm Polly."
"It's nice to meet you Polly. Like I said before, my name is Lera. What's your pig's name?"
"This is Mr. Piggles. Isn't he just the greatest? He's my very best friend in the world!"
"He looks super fun! I wish I had a pet like Mr. Piggles. How did you get him?"
Polly smiles while petting Mr. Piggles. "My brother got him for me a long time ago!"
"You're brother sounds really nice. I'm an only child, but I think it would have been nice to have a sibling."
"He's okay. He only gave me Mr. Piggles after we ate his mother for dinner."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't eat Mr. Piggles then."
"Well of course we didn't eat Mr. Piggles!" You can hear a verbal sigh from the child. "He was too small!"
"That is an excellent point, and one I did not consider," Lera has to stifle a giggle. "Are you having fun tonight?"
"No. I'm bored and tired of being in this stinky place. I wish the fun would start soon."
"Yeah, just sitting around can be boring. I used to have to sit around in a lot of taverns to watch my dad perform. Is there anything that would make the evening more fun for you?"
Polly tapped her chin. "Cakes and pies and candy and pastries! Can you get me some? If you can get me some I'll..." And the thought cuts off.
"Polly?" Lera panicked a little. What if Viscardi was blocking her magic somehow? "How do you feel about cherry pie?"
"Not my favorite but it's okay. Do you have one?" Polly turns and glances at you, looking for the pie.
"Not at the moment, but do you see the short one in armor near me? He is the best baker I've ever met. We're going to try and get him in the kitchen and see if he can cook you something. What's your favorite flavor of pie?" Lera thought back, relieved that the conversation had started back up again. "He lost all of his pies because our new pet monkey ate them all. I'm sure you understand."
"Doesn't matter. It won't be done in time. You guys are slowpokes!"
Before she had even heard Polly's answer, Lera was already messaging Perrin. "Hey, so we really need to get a pie to the little girl on the pig. Her name is Polly, and she has a vote in this but she's really bored and wants sweets." Lera then turned her attention back to Polly, sending her another quick reply. Two people in her head was going to get confusing. "You're probably right, I don't really know anything about baking so it will probably take too long. Which is a shame, because now I really want pie."
"I wanna play with the monkey." There's a pause then she thinks quickly. "But not until later. I don't wanna make E angry."
"I can arrange that. Who's E? Are they hurting you in any way?"
"No! He's my brother, dummy! He wouldn't hurt me!" Polly became visibly upset at the suggestion.
"Just making sure! I'm sorry to offend, I just never know. One of my favorite stories involved a hero who saved a little girl who was being held hostage by an evil monster. Sometimes my imagination gets the better of me."
"My brother is NOT a monster!"
“I never said he was. Like I said, sometimes I see monsters where there aren’t any. I’m just so excited to become a real hero, I look for villains everywhere. I’m sure E is a very nice brother.”
"Leave E alone!" Her tone is very much bratty child now. "Or I'll tell him not to hire you!"
“I will! I promise.” Polly looked around at you and sent Lera a glare. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
Continuing to stare at her, Polly sent another message. "Why do you want to win?"
“My whole life, my dad would tell me stories about heroes. They were brave and saved the day! For as long as I could remember, I’ve wanted to become one of those heroes. Dad has finally agreed to let me try, so this is where we’re starting,” Lera sighed and shook her head. “So far I haven’t been doing a very good job. I did go through a really cool obstacle course, though, so that’s something.”
Lera could clearly see a scar across one cheek and she looked pale. Not sickly, just paler than a child who spends time outside. "I wish I could go on adventures!"
“Me too! Would you like to hear my favorite adventure story?”
Polly continued to look at the sorcerer, until Viscardi taps her on the shoulder. She turned around and thought back. "Later. Promise?"
“I promise. I’ll even bring the monkey.”
"And a pie." Lera could tell that wasn't a request.
Lera messaged Perrin again, wondering if he had received her message since she hadn't heard back from him. “Oh, also, Viscardi apparently doesn’t let Polly have sweets, so we’re going to have to sneak it to her. Thanks Perrin, you’re the best!”
"Thanks. How do you know this?" Perrin thought back.
“Magic? I talked to her, same as I’m talking to you.”
"Sweet. Is she allowed meat pies?"
“Probably, but she’s very adamant about getting sweets. It’s the allure of the forbidden, you know? I have a half baked, get it?, plan.”
"I was going to attempt to disguise it as a meat pie but what's your plan?"
“It involved sneaking to her room tonight and then magic-ing it up... like I said, half baked.”
"Bringing her into the kitchen during an intermission while the rest of you keep him busy."
“Viscardi seems incredibly protective of her. This girl barely goes outside and sees the sun.”
"Girl? Like daughter? Hmmm. Bathroom break? Eat pie there."
“No, she’s his sister. But he’s still very protective," Lera sent a final message to Perrin. Perhaps Polly could help them come up with a plan... “My friend is working on it as we speak... or think," she went back to messaging Polly.
"Good. I don't get sweets often. Don't tell E!"
“I would never. Any preferences on filling?”
"Whatever your friend can make."
“Are you allowed to have meat pies, Polly? My friend is thinking of trying to disguise it as one. Alternately, I can come to your room tonight and try to magic it up.”
"Meat pies? Yuck!"
“It would be a sweet pie, just in disguise," Lera assured the young girl. "Trust me Polly, I would never try to feed you a meat pie.”
"E knows I don't like meat pies."
“Would you be able to sneak away for a bathroom break? Or would you rather I try to magic it up your window tonight?”
"I can't sneak away. I gotta see everyone preform so I can vote."
“After the show?”
"I'll try. I'm supposed to be in bed right now."
“If you can’t sneak away, I’ll come to your room and deliver it with magic. Is that ok?”
"If E catches you, he might not let you join. That is, if you win. I will try to sneak out after everyone performs." As Polly thinks this last message, the woman on stage beings to speak. "It's beginning."
Woe notes that many of the teams are interacting with the guests. It appears they're trying to curry favor before the competition starts. You see one in particular that looks very good with his hands. After every interaction you see him pocket a stone. He's broad shouldered, has a hawk-like nose, a little on the skinny side and has big feet. He seems to prefer earth-toned clothing and wears studded leathers. You see two empty shortsword scabbards. He seems to be singling out those that don't look like adventurers, ie, no armor or empty scabbards. He's working the crowd.
Woe will get a beer. When he reaches the people sitting to the left side of the stage, Woe will position herself so that he'll bump into her.
He does eventually brush up against you, apologizing with a slight smile as he does.
"heiiiii, be careful!! Oh, You're one of the adventurers! You look so strong, no-one will even dare to challenge you! Just a pity that they had us in random groups! In my group there are only weaklings! I wish I could go on adventures with you!"
//rolled a 1 :(
"Nice try, amateur. Try harder next time." He winks as he continues past, not missing a step.
sh*t Woe thinks to herself. Better get Shanolia to check him out...
As Perrin approach the kitchen, he sees a dwarf slaving away. He has a few younger dwarves helping out, but he seems to be the master of this kitchen as he barks out orders and multi-tasks like a pro.
Perrin knowing how loud a kitchen is will speak up, almost shouting, and say “Head Chef Harule. My name is Perrin Cherrycheeks and I have a request. Please let me use your kitchen for a couple hours to make some cherry pie. In return I will work in your kitchen for the rest of the night doing all the dishes for you.”
"Get lost, boy!" He yells back, knocking one of his sous chefs back. They all look at him and move a step away from him. I’m not sure if he's talking to me or the sous chef. A few moments later one of his young chefs hands me a platter of pheasant wings.
Perrin realizing that this man is one of actions not words immediately gets to work taking the pheasant wings out and handing them to guests, giving priority to the Lord and Lady, and then arrives back to keep helping in the kitchen. Bussing food out, dishes, whatever needs done.
As Perrin is bussing food he is also mingling with the guests and talking about the red team. How good they are and what find adventures they’ll make. He is really trying to put on his rustic farm boy voice. However he realizes that his farm voice may not be the best while he’s standing in chain mail. Regardless he feels like he wooed some of the guests who are going to be voting.
Soon he doesn't even notice my presence, as if I’m a part of the kitchen. Perrin realizes he now has free reign as long as you continue to follow his instructions while working on his 'side project.'
Seeing Perrin bussing food Lera messages him “Hey Perrin, how goes the pie?”
He’ll whisper back “I’m allowed in the kitchen as long as I’m working and obeying the head chef. I’m making hand pies. Have Shanolia sneak them into the girls bag.”
“Dude, you don’t have to say it out loud, just think it and only I’ll be able to hear it. Come on, we have to be sneaky.” She replies.
Back in the kitchen Perrin is starting to make his Cherry Hand Pies while plotting with Lera, via message, about how to get them to Polly.
As the beat of the drum continues, the Pureblood also continues her dance. The beat picks up, and her gyrations become faster, almost frantic, until one last hard beat, and everything comes to a halt. She stands, still, hands posed in the air. Suddenly the crowd erupts into applause, many standing, a lot whistling. Polly bounces excitedly on Mr. Piggles, and Eldon Viscardi has that same wide smile on his face. Allistra climbs back on the stage, clapping. "Well done, pink team." Once the applause dies down, she picks the next stone from her pouch and drops it into the bucket. "Purple."
This time, a stout dwarf makes his way to the stage and begins to sing in a lovely baritone voice. The crowd seems to like it, but not quite as much as the first act. After that was the green team, who had a two person juggling show. Blue team was next, and a lovely human girl sang an old, but familiar love song. Each team gets raucous applause, as the other members of their teams go crazy. There is definitely a jovial spirit in the Blade and Stars tonight. Finally Allistra climbs the stage again. "Well done, well done. Great acts so far. Who will be next?" She dips her hand into the pouch and pulls out a stone. "Yellow" she said, as she dropped it on the bucket and left the stage. A gnome got onto the stage, made her way up onto a stool, and began to play a tune on her lute.
Woe comes back, her head hanging low... "What’s wrong?" Zamar asks.
"So, this guy I was just talking to, he is talking to the audience and stealing one single colour from each of the patron's bags.... he is planning to change the outcome. What should we do? I wasn't able to charm him... I think, we could report him to the Lord Viscardi, or we could have Shanolia try to steal all those perls off him!"
"Steal? Oh no. Report? Yes. Now" Singe is visibly upset. Zamar doesn't like what he hears either: “Balls. I hate a cheat. I could put him to sleep and we could expose him.”
Lera suggests: “Maybe you two could weave a reveal into your song. I could use mage hand to trip him, and then you sing about a scoundrel who tries to cheat.” Singe smiles "Yes! Yes! That'll be excellent" and Zamar nods in approval: "This is a good plan."
Woe then continues "Also, Lera, I need to talk to you! about clothes and things... Do you have a dress I could borrow? I only brought my adventurers clothes, but it seems a little more is required to charm Lord Viscardi and his little sister likes the look of shiny fabrics as well!"
Lera replies:Just the one I’m currently wearing... Which, to be fair, matches what my dad is wearing. I’d be happy to switch" Lera smiles. Lera follows Woe to change clothes. She’s got a distant look in her eyes and seems preoccupied, but she makes the switch. She’s wearing a dress made of the same red and silver fabric her father’s outfit is made of.
"This is beautiful. Thank you!" Woe admires the dress, then she asks: "Is everything alright?" Lera replies: There are too many-sorry, Lee shakes her head. “There are too many people in my head right now.“
"Oh, I can understand your pain and confusion. Come back to the table and rest. Here, have a sip of beer." As soon as they are back, Woe will continue talking to Lera: "So, your dad and I have a plan. We will reveal that thief. If you could trip him when we signal to you, that would be perfect. But then we need a second person..." Woe will be looking at Singe and Shanolia "... to hold up his jacket and show the stones. He keeps putting them into the right pocket of his jacket... Are you all in?"
Singe replies: "Left handed... Yes, I can help." “I need to keep going, it’s working,” Lera whispered back to Woe in hushed tones. “I’m all in, this plan seems great.”
Singe goes into the audience after this performance and finds the closest seat to the thief.
While Perrin is continuing to cook his pies he and Lera decide on how to get them to Polly. They’re going to rope Shanolia in and she is going to reverse pickpocket them into her bag. Hopefully this will work Perrin thinks to himself.
When Perrin pulls the 2 dozen Cherry Hand Pies out he is proud of his work. He definitely emphasized taste over looks and he has room to improve in that but they’re still good. Perrin has a quick mental check in with Lera to make sure everything is good. With her command of Go Perrin takes the pie out into the tavern floor and heads straight for Shanolia.
Perrin gives Shanolia 7 Hand Pies and quietly and tells her “6 are for Polly 1 is for you.” Perrin will then put 8 into pack before traveling to all of his teammates making sure they, and that includes Junior, gets one before passing the rest out to the voting crowd.
Lera could see other teams attempting to curry favor from the crowd, which didn't seem like such a bad idea. But doing it in person? That seemed so boring. Seeing as she was already using Message so much, the sorcerer decided to take it a step further. Lera began messaging random onlookers in the crowd things like "They’re alright, but it doesn’t take any real talent to do what they do. It’s all flash and no substance," and "I’ve heard good things about Red... I wonder when they’re going to finally get up there."
She could even see her efforts beginning to do something. A few people nodded in agreement at her words, and she could even hear the crowd whisper about them. "I hear the red team has something great planned," Lera heard someone say.
What have been your favorite parts so far? Lera went back to messaging Polly. Truth be told, she wanted someone to talk to just as much as the younger girl did. This could be quite boring. And would you be able to distract your brother for a bit so one of my friends can sneak a pie into your bag?
I'll try! Polly then leaned over and began to whisper into Eldon's ear.
Not yet! It isn’t finished yet. Lera's eyes widened as she frantically messaged back. I’ll give you a signal. What’s a good code word?
She could feel the frustration from Polly, but luckily no visible glare this time. Potato. No! Rainbow. No wait. Piggy!
Sorry, I’m really bad at this. I’ve never really worked with people before, and it’s stressful and- anyway, what about rainbow Pig?
Polly started to giggle, and had to stifle it as Eldon gives her a look. Who ever heard of a rainbow pig?
You’ve never heard the tale of the rainbow pig? He was a great wizard’s familiar, but one day one of the wizard’s spells went wrong. The spell backfired, and caused his pig to turn rainbow colors.
Wow! Really? Do you think I could see him someday? Maybe I can turn Mr. Piggles rainbow!
Unfortunately the original rainbow pig got turned into rainbow bacon, but we can always try to turn Mr. Piggles rainbow.
That would be so cool! You gotta teach me some magic!
I don’t know if I can teach you magic. I mean, I’ll try! But most of my magic just sort of... happens. I didn’t realize I even had magic until I lit some stuff on fire on accident.
Now, Polly's thoughts turned toward the gnome on stage. Fire! Uh... Fire! Come on, you boring gnome. Set. On. Fire! There was a look of determined concentration on her face. Unfortunately for both of them, the gnome did not catch on fire. Do you think I could learn some spells? I could play pranks with it! I could make E's ... uh... food go cold. Or... make Mr. Piggles fly!
I would love to help you figure out magic, Lera messaged back, completely sincere.
Yes! Yesyesyes! Polly bounced in her seat. The gnome on stage noticed and smiled, thinking she's loving his performance.
Is the pie ready yet? Polly is ready on my signal. Lera messaged Perrin.
Yes. They’re ready now, Perrin responded, finally getting the point that he didn't need to say his reply aloud.
Are you going to tell Shanolia the plan or should I message her?Lera asked.
Message her. Perrin replied simply.
"There are too many people in my head," Lera muttered under her breath before sending the message to their rogue. Hey Shanolia, it's me Lera. Perrin and I are trying to smuggle a cherry pie into the little girl with a pig's bag. She's Viscardi's little sister, but he doesn't let her have sweets. Can you help? The response was something indecipherable in a language she didn't recognize. Hello? It's Lera? Are you freaking out? Don't talk out loud, that's not necessary.
How are you in my head?
Magic. It's a pretty low level spell that I taught myself because I wanted to be able to send secret messages to people. It's pretty handy. So far I've convinced about half the crowd that we're the favorite, and I've made a new friend, and- you don't really care about that stuff, do you?
Who are you?
Lera! I already said that, didn’t I? I’m in your group. Go Red Team!
Oh, I apologize. I'm a bit shaken up at this whole idea. What do you need?
It’s ok, I bet it’s really weird to have someone’s voice just pop into your head. Perrin is going to give you a cherry pie, and then I just need you to sneak it into Polly’s bag. Like a reverse pickpocket!
I can do that. So I just get the pie and give to the girl on the pig?
But sneakily. She’s technically not supposed to have the pie.
A little rebel, I like her already. Just tell me when, and consider it done.
After getting the go ahead from Perrin, Lera messaged Polly again. Alright, Polly, Plan Rainbow Pig is a go! Shanolia has the pies and is headed your way.
Ahhhh this is so exciting! Polly immediately began whispering to Eldon again. He smiled at her and puts an arm around her shoulders. All Lera could do now was watch as Shanolia did the rest.
Shanolia walked away from the table once she recieved the go-ahead from Lera, gliding effortlessly towards Perrin and grabbing the pies from him as he made another round. She then waded through the crowd - careful not to accidentally bump anyone - until she was just behind the little girl on the pig.
Quickly and silently, the Elf flipped open the girl's bag and deposited the pies before closing it once again and walking away as quickly as she'd came. That girl was in for a nice treat.
She nods toward Lera while returning to the table and speaks to her in her mind;
Slow lute music drones on, and most of the audience looks positively bored. Except Polly, who looks completely thrilled, for some reason. Eldon Viscardi has a grin on his face, and keeps glancing at his little sister, amused at her antics. Finally, the dull tune comes to an end, and there is scattered applause as the gnome exits the stage. Looking unamused, Allistra enters the stage again. "Wonderful, thanks for that," she says, while pulling another stone. "Red, you're up," she says while dropping the stone in the bucket. As she exits the stage, she mumbles something under her breath.
Upon hearing their team called, Zamar makes his way to the stage. He gets to the steps just ahead of Woe and holds his hand out to help her up the stairs. She doesn’t need the help, but the pair are already performing and Zamar thinks with their matching outfits, it is best that they appear to be together. He gives her a wink as she ascends the stairs.
Woe sets up her drum as Zamar steps to the front of the stage, viol in hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, how about a round of applause for all of these great acts. And of course, our host, his young companion, and Mr. Piggles.” He leads the crowd in a genial round of applause.
“But now, it is time for something a bit different.” He draws a dramatic chord across the Viol . “Team red has something for everyone!” With each element, the chord he plays climbs. “Music! Dance! Story! And perhaps a surprise or two.”
"I should warn our more delicate viewers that this story does not have a happy ending. It is a cautionary tale. It is the story of a man and his fate. Not a good man like you, sir," he points out a kindly looking man in the crowd. "Not a handsome man, like you, sir." He chooses a different man from elsewhere in the crowd, careful to spread the love. He begins to play a jaunty and mocking tune meant to evoke laughter. "This man was broad shouldered with a hawkish nose. He was a little on the skinny side and had big feet. He wore earthen tones and a sour expression. Perhaps it was because of his appearance that he felt inadequate. Perhaps he had a rough childhood. Nobody knows for sure. But he did feel inadequate. Inadequate in labors. Inadequate in love. Inadequate in life." As Zamar paints this mocking picture of the stone thief, Woe layers drums over the tune, accentuating key moments in the story. "Because he felt so insecure, this pitiful specimen skulked and prowled around decent people. Oh, he put on a friendly face, to be sure. Such weasels always do. He touched and pawed at them, slipping small trinkets and items away. Some no larger than the very voting stones you all hold." The hawk nosed man, suspicious as the story wore on begins to realize that this is him. He stands and begins to make his way to the exit. He is stopped by the Flaming Fist, though he tries to push past.
Woe starts a low beat on her drum that builds. The viol turns darker, more sinister. "But one night, he went too far. He got too greedy. He attracted the attention of dark and fearsome powers. There was a rumbling from below, and a hole opened in the earth! A black, clawed hand reached up from the hole. Then another. A thing of nightmare out of the depths of the Nine Hells rose up above him. It pointed a gnarled finger at him accusingly. But the man was too stupid to see his doom. "Try harder, amateur," he said to the thing. But the thing knew his secrets. It knew what he had done." Zamar is clearly building to the climax of the story as the music builds and swells from accent to a song. It would be reminiscent of 'Highway to Hell' if such a song existed in this world. Woe begins to sway and move in time with the music. Not sensually. More graceful and lyrical. She twirls her way to the front of the stage. It is clear some sort of transition is about to occur. Suddenly, Zamar stabs out with his finger twisted like a gnarled claw and points at the thief who is now in a heated discussion with the Flaming Fist.
Lera watched the announcer leaving the stage, hearing her mumbles. "This team better be as good as they say they are," Allistra had muttered. The sorcerer could only grin at the comment. They will be.
As the story went on, Lera punctuated moments with minor illusions. It was a practiced effect, and one she could do with very little brain power. A rainbow pig flashed above her father and Woe when they addressed the audience and Mr. Piggles. A weasel made of light that scurried around when they mentioned the antagonist of their tale. A ghastly black hand loomed above the performers when he spoke of the nightmare from the Nine Hells. Intermixed with her illusions, Lera would message the random pub goers. Wow, this is amazing! She would whisper, or These guys are good, they should turn professional.
Zamar’s accusatory hand appears to glow bright red, as a flaming ethereal hand extends out, the hand appears gnarled and blackened by flame. As it streaks towards the man, the hand opens, revealing nothing. It reaches into the man’s right hand suit pocket and holds aloft, just out of his reach, a dozen pink stones.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
As the chaos erupts and the culprit is revealed, Woe begins to sing. She moves in time to the music. Slowly and majestically at first, the song seeming to be an almost operatic ballad. But as she sings, the movements and vocals intensify, Zamar slapping the viol as he bows, giving her a beat. The movements become more frenzied, the ballad turning on its ear. By the time she reaches the end, it is more of a rock opera, driving and forceful. Her hair is wild and so are her eyes. Zamar adds harmonies to the chorus, their voices mingling with joy and abandon.
Living sleazy, a bad thief Looks like you are on a one-way ride Don't ask nothing, not from me Taking things and then you tried to hide Heed my reason, and my rhyme Man You're sure glad that You're not you Going down, for the crime Your friends are gonna go down too You're on the highway to hell On the highway to hell Highway to hell You're on the highway to hell No stopping, cuz you did it Boy you really blew your chance Wheel of fate, got you in it Those lies are gonna burn your pants Hey Balor, grab this dude He didn't get what he planned So sorry, don't blame me You're headed to a burning land, whoo! You're on the highway to hell Highway to hell You're on the highway to hell Highway to hell No stopping You're on the highway to hell On the highway to hell You're on the highway to hell On the highway Yeah, highway to hell You're on the highway to hell Highway to hell Highway to hell And You're going down All the way Whoa! You're on the highway to hell
As the song ends, Lera punctuates it with illusory fireworks and flames behind the duo, who have left it all out on the stage.
The audience is enthralled by the music, the dancing, the singing, the stage effects, and the tale being woven. At the reveal of the thief and the stolen pink stones, the audience gasps loudly, unsure if this is part of the show or if it truly is real. Either way, they've never seen anything like it before. By the time Woe finishes singing and the music dies down, the every body in the Blade and Stars is standing. A mummer washes over the crowd, as they stare at the thief and the pink stones. Except one gnome. Grapip Salgim Wrefan Lanfan was doubled over, coughing. When it was revealed that the pink stones had been stolen, he had choked on his pipe-weed, and was now trying to recover himself. Polly had climbed off Mr. Piggles, and was staring, wide eyed, at the hawk nosed man. "Cheater!" She ran at him, continuing to scream. "Cheater cheater cheater!" Crossing the room in no time, she pulled a leg back and kicked him in the shin, hard.
Viscardi's smile had faded from his lips. He gazed over the crowd, as they now started to boo. Not the performance of the Red Team, but the pink stone thief. He made no move as his little sister assaulted the man. He simply nodded his head, and the Flaming Fist grabbed the thief, dragging him out the door. Turning tot he Pureblood next to him, he simply stated, "Pink team is disqualified." She glared at him, and stomped out the door, followed by the rest of the pink team. Once they had left, Viscardi turned to Woe and Zamar, still on stage, and began to applaud them. The audience quickly followed suit, applauding and whistling their approval. Polly even joined in, jumping up and down, adding in her own little shrieks. Mr. Piggles just looked tired. Apparently it takes a lot more to impress a pig.
As Koll is watching with amusement his team performing on the stage below, a window opens near him. A familiar Kenku quietly and gracefully enters, closing the window behind him, and joins in watching performance from the balcony.
Koll says to him, "Hello, friend. Thank you for warning us earlier. I'm curious, what is your part in all this?"
The Kenku is hard to read. The birdlike creature tilts his head in away that seems a smile to Koll. He says, "I am Lord Viscardi's personal assistant, friend, and general keeper. He tends to get himself into trouble. I must say.... team red will be a pleasure to work with." He nods his approval as the chaos erupts down below. He extends a clawed hand. "Whistler."
The monk shakes his hand. "I am Koll. Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. Yes, they are a fine group of people - clever and talented and not all like those brutes who resorted to dirty tricks to win - I am honoured to be among them. There was some concern among them about this scavenger hunt being an 'experiment,' though."
"Experiment?" Whistler asks. "Well... Eldon has come up with many schemes in the past to fill his coffers and gain favor. This... this is the only one I actually approved of. So to those of noble birth, I suppose experiment is an appropriate word." The Kenku tenses up and there are a few audible cracks. Koll imagines it's his way of stretching.
He plies the Kenku with a few more questions. "So, what does Lord Viscardi have planned for his new guild?"
"Well," Whistler says, "there are many Lords and Ladies and Patriars in Baldur's Gate that feel the Flaming Fist has run thin." He joins the crowd in applause for a moment while Koll wonders at this statement. Apparently, the performance changes the Kenku's perspective somewhat, and he continues in a different vein. "You will all be travelling across Faerun... perhaps even to places that have never been explored. For every person there is a story, and some of those people are not strong enough to find conclusion to that story. That is where you all will come in."
"I see." Koll nods. "Also, I have a random question for you, but there is a mystery that I'm looking to get answers to. You seem like someone who might know about these things. About five years ago I was involved in an attempted robbery of six iron chests that came into the harbour aboard a ship at midnight. My father died protecting the shipment and I was responsible. But, to make amends and honour his memory, I want to know what he died for. Is there any chance you have heard of a treasure contained in six iron chests?"
"Six months ago I was in Cormyr," says Whistler, "but... your story is as important as any lord's or lady's. It is something I can look in to, if you like."
"I would appreciate that greatly," Koll says with a bow.
As the night begins to wind down, the rest of the performers make an attempt to surpass Red Team's performance, but the crowd has already thinned. Much of the crowd now seems to attempt to curry favor with members of the Red Team. It's almost as if they know who the winners will be and want to know more about them before the end of the night.
Polly pulls a pie from her pouch and scrunches it down as the other performers play. She's already too preoccupied to care about the entertainment on the stage. One man asks Perrin as he ferrets out another dish, "Are there anymore of those pies.... they were divine." Once he realizes that Perrin is a member of the Red Team he starts to ask the halfling how best to get his servants to produce such fine bakery.
Lord Viscardi looks almost bored as he entertains the rest of the teams, but once Polly pulls a second pie from her pouch he eyes it and shakes his head. She crosses her arms and sighs, frustrated that she wasn't able to sneak a second pie during the night. Before the end of the last team, she is sound asleep and snoring atop Mr. Piggles.
Allistra finally announces the vote, and all guests and participants begin dropping stones into the bucket. It's deep into the night before the festivities are done and Allistra announces the count. Team Red wins by a huge margin, and as the announcement ends Viscardi takes his place atop the stage. "Thank you all for joining me in this event," he says. "Our new adventuring company will be opening shortly with Team Red ready to take on any challenges that come." He gestures for all of Team Red to join him on the stage.
Perrin doesn't make any more pies throughout the night. When confronted about how a noble can have his servants bake such fine pies Perrin just chuckles and says "It's a family recipe. It'll be hard for someone else to reproduce my pies." Perrin spends most of the night helping out in the kitchen; knowing that it would do him no good to just stand there and be nervous. When Red Team is announced as the winners Perrin lets out a long sigh. Finally, he thinks, My adventures and mission can begin. With that thought, Perrin suddenly feels more powerful. As if Yondalla has given him some more blessings. He suddenly knows a little bit of magic. Thanks, Yondalla Perrin thinks, I'll find the hafling temple her and make a donation on your behalf. Perrin is shaken out of that thought when he hears Lord Viscardi asking for Red Team to join him up on stage. With a slight blush but a happy smile, Perrin makes his way onstage with all of his teammates.
Lera messaged Polly once more before the night ended, just checking in on her. Did you enjoy the pie and performance?
Polly immediately thought back to Lera, This pie is amazing! I think cherry is my new favorite, but only if your friend makes it! That performance your dad did was amazing! You're so lucky to have a dad... that can tell you stories. Your mom was so pretty and can dance really good! What were all those images? Were those from you? I really need to learn some magic! It was so cool! I wanna do things like that! I can't believe that guy stole the stones. What a cheater, I hope he gets whipped for it. I'm so happy you won! I'll get to see you a lot! And pies! So many pies! No, Mr. Piggles! Don't lay down!
I look forward to hanging out with you more too, Lera replied, not bothering to correct Polly. The thought of Woe as her mother... There were so many aspects to her emotions there, and none that she wanted to deal with right now. I’ll show you more pictures I can make in the morning.
I can't wait until you see the guild hall! I wish I could go on adventures with you!
Perhaps you will. Or perhaps I will tell you stories of our adventures, which is almost as good. Lera replied with a smile. That was why she was here, wasn't it? To go on adventures, because stories were no longer good enough.
I want your dad to tell me stories!
Yeah, he’s loads better than me. I’ll tell him to tell you stories later.
She could tell Polly was starting to get tired. I like you.
I’m glad we’re friends, Polly. I’ll see you tomorrow. Lera finished the conversation, confident that she would see her tomorrow. A man approached her a few minutes later, flattering her for the Red Team's victory before it had even been announced. Lera had blushed, stuttering out a thanks. Normally she was a smooth talker, a product of both genetics and upbringing, but the man had slipped the word adventurer in there and it had made her heart race. Luckily he excused himself before she could make too much of a fool of herself.
Lera had warmed considerably to the attention by the time Viscardi called them up to the stage. A few people had bought her drinks, which was a rare treat for the teenager, and she had lost her momentary shyness. Giggling, she grabbed both Woe and her father by the hand, pulling them onto the stage with her. The aasimar beamed at the audience, only letting go of the two bards' hands to give the crowd a little wave.
Singe blinks, exiting a daze. He scans the room and frowns. "Shanolia, could you go secure that table over there? I'll see about finding some chairs." He points at the only empty table. "Alright. Try not to be too long, my head is still spinning." Shanolia quickly glides over to the table and leans on it for support. All the unoccupied chairs have been pulled away from it and into audience seating. Frowning again, Singe rejoins Shanolia. "Unfortunately, there seems to only be seating in the audience."
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Allistra Aurayaun stands at about six feet tall. Standing atop the stage it looks almost like her head could hit the ceiling had this establishment not had a peaked roof. Her eye twitches a bit, but whether from stress or stage-fright, you're not sure. It's rare for her to speak above a whisper, so her voice is barely loud enough to hear when she finally does talk. "I'm going to start this evening out by saying thank you to Lord Viscardi. Not only has he supplied the funds for this stage, but he's hosting this event on the very first day of its unveiling. As you all are aware, food and drink is on him tonight."
"Hear hear!" A man says in the audience. This is followed by numerous parrots of the phrase as tankards are raised.
Polly, the girl on the pig, hops about, exited to finally get the night started.
She gestures for quite and continues, "Viscardi has put a price on this entertainment. One that I would love to get myself." She smirks. "The way it works is that each guest has been given ten stones. Each stone has a different color. Each performance has a different color. Match the stone to the performance you liked best. The color with the biggest count, wins. Simple." She tosses something in the air and catches it quickly, as if years of dice games has honed her hand-eye coordination. She presents it to the audience. The participants watching grin, the guests stare in awe. The diamond looks flawless...
"Shall we begin?" She asks. Reaching into her pouch she pulls a stone, glances at it, and tosses it in the bucket onstage. "Pink," she says.
With a smile, the woman that was attached to Viscardi's hip stands. She's lithe, tall, and has exotic features. As she walks forward she drops her robes to reveal her clothes beneath. Her clothing sparkles in the lamplight as she moves, and each step the strands seem to dance in a rhythm of their own. It's amazing to behold, as the exposed skin of her body has scales that shimmer as well. The Pureblood begins her dance to the beat of a drum, and the audience watches with mouths' agape.
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The minute that Lera laid eyes on Viscardi, she knew what she had to. "Clever experiment you made, I especially liked the bit where you bought out the entire paper and watched us struggle from the comfort of your room. You’ll see many groups that may have completed your Challenge, but ours is the only one that knows what it really is, and I reckon that piece of information is more valuable than anything on the list," she said to him using her message cantrip. He didn't seem to respond, although he did smile at Woe.
But then, the child came in. Children were much easier to get talking... "Hello, little one, my name is Lera. You have a very cool pet there, what's its name? You can just think back to me and I'll be able to hear you," she messaged to the little girl riding the pig.
"Who is this!?" She looks around as if expecting someone to be whispering in her ear.
"I'm Lera! I'm the one with the blonde-ish hair over by the entrance. I'm using magic to talk to you, because I don't want to be rude to the performers. Do you see the man with dark hair next to me? That's my dad, and he's going to sing soon."
The girl swivels her head around, finally catching sight of you. Slowly, a big grin crosses her face. "This is so cool! How did you do that?" Then the smile slowly fades. "I'm not voting for you because of this."
"It's a spell called message. I'll be honest, I'm not a very good teacher, otherwise I'd offer to help you learn. And I'm not trying to get your vote, I'm not even the one performing! I was just curious, and looking for a friend here. What's your name?"
Her eyes narrow as she looks you up and down. She then turns her attention toward the stage. "I'm Polly."
"It's nice to meet you Polly. Like I said before, my name is Lera. What's your pig's name?"
"This is Mr. Piggles. Isn't he just the greatest? He's my very best friend in the world!"
"He looks super fun! I wish I had a pet like Mr. Piggles. How did you get him?"
Polly smiles while petting Mr. Piggles. "My brother got him for me a long time ago!"
"You're brother sounds really nice. I'm an only child, but I think it would have been nice to have a sibling."
"He's okay. He only gave me Mr. Piggles after we ate his mother for dinner."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't eat Mr. Piggles then."
"Well of course we didn't eat Mr. Piggles!" You can hear a verbal sigh from the child. "He was too small!"
"That is an excellent point, and one I did not consider," Lera has to stifle a giggle. "Are you having fun tonight?"
"No. I'm bored and tired of being in this stinky place. I wish the fun would start soon."
"Yeah, just sitting around can be boring. I used to have to sit around in a lot of taverns to watch my dad perform. Is there anything that would make the evening more fun for you?"
Polly tapped her chin. "Cakes and pies and candy and pastries! Can you get me some? If you can get me some I'll..." And the thought cuts off.
"Polly?" Lera panicked a little. What if Viscardi was blocking her magic somehow? "How do you feel about cherry pie?"
"Not my favorite but it's okay. Do you have one?" Polly turns and glances at you, looking for the pie.
"Not at the moment, but do you see the short one in armor near me? He is the best baker I've ever met. We're going to try and get him in the kitchen and see if he can cook you something. What's your favorite flavor of pie?" Lera thought back, relieved that the conversation had started back up again. "He lost all of his pies because our new pet monkey ate them all. I'm sure you understand."
"Doesn't matter. It won't be done in time. You guys are slowpokes!"
Before she had even heard Polly's answer, Lera was already messaging Perrin. "Hey, so we really need to get a pie to the little girl on the pig. Her name is Polly, and she has a vote in this but she's really bored and wants sweets." Lera then turned her attention back to Polly, sending her another quick reply. Two people in her head was going to get confusing. "You're probably right, I don't really know anything about baking so it will probably take too long. Which is a shame, because now I really want pie."
"I wanna play with the monkey." There's a pause then she thinks quickly. "But not until later. I don't wanna make E angry."
"I can arrange that. Who's E? Are they hurting you in any way?"
"No! He's my brother, dummy! He wouldn't hurt me!" Polly became visibly upset at the suggestion.
"Just making sure! I'm sorry to offend, I just never know. One of my favorite stories involved a hero who saved a little girl who was being held hostage by an evil monster. Sometimes my imagination gets the better of me."
"My brother is NOT a monster!"
“I never said he was. Like I said, sometimes I see monsters where there aren’t any. I’m just so excited to become a real hero, I look for villains everywhere. I’m sure E is a very nice brother.”
"Leave E alone!" Her tone is very much bratty child now. "Or I'll tell him not to hire you!"
“I will! I promise.” Polly looked around at you and sent Lera a glare. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
Continuing to stare at her, Polly sent another message. "Why do you want to win?"
“My whole life, my dad would tell me stories about heroes. They were brave and saved the day! For as long as I could remember, I’ve wanted to become one of those heroes. Dad has finally agreed to let me try, so this is where we’re starting,” Lera sighed and shook her head. “So far I haven’t been doing a very good job. I did go through a really cool obstacle course, though, so that’s something.”
Lera could clearly see a scar across one cheek and she looked pale. Not sickly, just paler than a child who spends time outside. "I wish I could go on adventures!"
“Me too! Would you like to hear my favorite adventure story?”
Polly continued to look at the sorcerer, until Viscardi taps her on the shoulder. She turned around and thought back. "Later. Promise?"
“I promise. I’ll even bring the monkey.”
"And a pie." Lera could tell that wasn't a request.
Lera messaged Perrin again, wondering if he had received her message since she hadn't heard back from him. “Oh, also, Viscardi apparently doesn’t let Polly have sweets, so we’re going to have to sneak it to her. Thanks Perrin, you’re the best!”
"Thanks. How do you know this?" Perrin thought back.
“Magic? I talked to her, same as I’m talking to you.”
"Sweet. Is she allowed meat pies?"
“Probably, but she’s very adamant about getting sweets. It’s the allure of the forbidden, you know? I have a half baked, get it?, plan.”
"I was going to attempt to disguise it as a meat pie but what's your plan?"
“It involved sneaking to her room tonight and then magic-ing it up... like I said, half baked.”
"Bringing her into the kitchen during an intermission while the rest of you keep him busy."
“Viscardi seems incredibly protective of her. This girl barely goes outside and sees the sun.”
"Girl? Like daughter? Hmmm. Bathroom break? Eat pie there."
“No, she’s his sister. But he’s still very protective," Lera sent a final message to Perrin. Perhaps Polly could help them come up with a plan... “My friend is working on it as we speak... or think," she went back to messaging Polly.
"Good. I don't get sweets often. Don't tell E!"
“I would never. Any preferences on filling?”
"Whatever your friend can make."
“Are you allowed to have meat pies, Polly? My friend is thinking of trying to disguise it as one. Alternately, I can come to your room tonight and try to magic it up.”
"Meat pies? Yuck!"
“It would be a sweet pie, just in disguise," Lera assured the young girl. "Trust me Polly, I would never try to feed you a meat pie.”
"E knows I don't like meat pies."
“Would you be able to sneak away for a bathroom break? Or would you rather I try to magic it up your window tonight?”
"I can't sneak away. I gotta see everyone preform so I can vote."
“After the show?”
"I'll try. I'm supposed to be in bed right now."
“If you can’t sneak away, I’ll come to your room and deliver it with magic. Is that ok?”
"If E catches you, he might not let you join. That is, if you win. I will try to sneak out after everyone performs." As Polly thinks this last message, the woman on stage beings to speak. "It's beginning."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Woe notes that many of the teams are interacting with the guests. It appears they're trying to curry favor before the competition starts. You see one in particular that looks very good with his hands. After every interaction you see him pocket a stone. He's broad shouldered, has a hawk-like nose, a little on the skinny side and has big feet. He seems to prefer earth-toned clothing and wears studded leathers. You see two empty shortsword scabbards. He seems to be singling out those that don't look like adventurers, ie, no armor or empty scabbards. He's working the crowd.
Woe will get a beer. When he reaches the people sitting to the left side of the stage, Woe will position herself so that he'll bump into her.
He does eventually brush up against you, apologizing with a slight smile as he does.
"heiiiii, be careful!! Oh, You're one of the adventurers! You look so strong, no-one will even dare to challenge you! Just a pity that they had us in random groups! In my group there are only weaklings! I wish I could go on adventures with you!"
//rolled a 1 :(
"Nice try, amateur. Try harder next time." He winks as he continues past, not missing a step.
sh*t Woe thinks to herself. Better get Shanolia to check him out...
Team Pie Baking
As Perrin approach the kitchen, he sees a dwarf slaving away. He has a few younger dwarves helping out, but he seems to be the master of this kitchen as he barks out orders and multi-tasks like a pro.
Perrin knowing how loud a kitchen is will speak up, almost shouting, and say “Head Chef Harule. My name is Perrin Cherrycheeks and I have a request. Please let me use your kitchen for a couple hours to make some cherry pie. In return I will work in your kitchen for the rest of the night doing all the dishes for you.”
"Get lost, boy!" He yells back, knocking one of his sous chefs back. They all look at him and move a step away from him. I’m not sure if he's talking to me or the sous chef. A few moments later one of his young chefs hands me a platter of pheasant wings.
Perrin realizing that this man is one of actions not words immediately gets to work taking the pheasant wings out and handing them to guests, giving priority to the Lord and Lady, and then arrives back to keep helping in the kitchen. Bussing food out, dishes, whatever needs done.
As Perrin is bussing food he is also mingling with the guests and talking about the red team. How good they are and what find adventures they’ll make. He is really trying to put on his rustic farm boy voice. However he realizes that his farm voice may not be the best while he’s standing in chain mail. Regardless he feels like he wooed some of the guests who are going to be voting.
Soon he doesn't even notice my presence, as if I’m a part of the kitchen. Perrin realizes he now has free reign as long as you continue to follow his instructions while working on his 'side project.'
Seeing Perrin bussing food Lera messages him “Hey Perrin, how goes the pie?”
He’ll whisper back “I’m allowed in the kitchen as long as I’m working and obeying the head chef. I’m making hand pies. Have Shanolia sneak them into the girls bag.”
“Dude, you don’t have to say it out loud, just think it and only I’ll be able to hear it. Come on, we have to be sneaky.” She replies.
Back in the kitchen Perrin is starting to make his Cherry Hand Pies while plotting with Lera, via message, about how to get them to Polly.
//Persuasion to Woo: 15+4=19//
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InsidersAs the beat of the drum continues, the Pureblood also continues her dance. The beat picks up, and her gyrations become faster, almost frantic, until one last hard beat, and everything comes to a halt. She stands, still, hands posed in the air. Suddenly the crowd erupts into applause, many standing, a lot whistling. Polly bounces excitedly on Mr. Piggles, and Eldon Viscardi has that same wide smile on his face. Allistra climbs back on the stage, clapping. "Well done, pink team." Once the applause dies down, she picks the next stone from her pouch and drops it into the bucket. "Purple."
This time, a stout dwarf makes his way to the stage and begins to sing in a lovely baritone voice. The crowd seems to like it, but not quite as much as the first act. After that was the green team, who had a two person juggling show. Blue team was next, and a lovely human girl sang an old, but familiar love song. Each team gets raucous applause, as the other members of their teams go crazy. There is definitely a jovial spirit in the Blade and Stars tonight. Finally Allistra climbs the stage again. "Well done, well done. Great acts so far. Who will be next?" She dips her hand into the pouch and pulls out a stone. "Yellow" she said, as she dropped it on the bucket and left the stage. A gnome got onto the stage, made her way up onto a stool, and began to play a tune on her lute.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
team 'we have a plan'
Woe comes back, her head hanging low... "What’s wrong?" Zamar asks.
"So, this guy I was just talking to, he is talking to the audience and stealing one single colour from each of the patron's bags.... he is planning to change the outcome. What should we do? I wasn't able to charm him... I think, we could report him to the Lord Viscardi, or we could have Shanolia try to steal all those perls off him!"
"Steal? Oh no. Report? Yes. Now" Singe is visibly upset. Zamar doesn't like what he hears either: “Balls. I hate a cheat. I could put him to sleep and we could expose him.”
Lera suggests: “Maybe you two could weave a reveal into your song. I could use mage hand to trip him, and then you sing about a scoundrel who tries to cheat.” Singe smiles "Yes! Yes! That'll be excellent" and Zamar nods in approval: "This is a good plan."
Woe then continues "Also, Lera, I need to talk to you! about clothes and things... Do you have a dress I could borrow? I only brought my adventurers clothes, but it seems a little more is required to charm Lord Viscardi and his little sister likes the look of shiny fabrics as well!"
Lera replies: Just the one I’m currently wearing... Which, to be fair, matches what my dad is wearing. I’d be happy to switch" Lera smiles. Lera follows Woe to change clothes. She’s got a distant look in her eyes and seems preoccupied, but she makes the switch. She’s wearing a dress made of the same red and silver fabric her father’s outfit is made of.
"This is beautiful. Thank you!" Woe admires the dress, then she asks: "Is everything alright?" Lera replies: There are too many-sorry, Lee shakes her head. “There are too many people in my head right now.“
"Oh, I can understand your pain and confusion. Come back to the table and rest. Here, have a sip of beer." As soon as they are back, Woe will continue talking to Lera: "So, your dad and I have a plan. We will reveal that thief. If you could trip him when we signal to you, that would be perfect. But then we need a second person..." Woe will be looking at Singe and Shanolia "... to hold up his jacket and show the stones. He keeps putting them into the right pocket of his jacket... Are you all in?"
Singe replies: "Left handed... Yes, I can help." “I need to keep going, it’s working,” Lera whispered back to Woe in hushed tones. “I’m all in, this plan seems great.”
Singe goes into the audience after this performance and finds the closest seat to the thief.
While Perrin is continuing to cook his pies he and Lera decide on how to get them to Polly. They’re going to rope Shanolia in and she is going to reverse pickpocket them into her bag. Hopefully this will work Perrin thinks to himself.
When Perrin pulls the 2 dozen Cherry Hand Pies out he is proud of his work. He definitely emphasized taste over looks and he has room to improve in that but they’re still good. Perrin has a quick mental check in with Lera to make sure everything is good. With her command of Go Perrin takes the pie out into the tavern floor and heads straight for Shanolia.
Perrin gives Shanolia 7 Hand Pies and quietly and tells her “6 are for Polly 1 is for you.” Perrin will then put 8 into pack before traveling to all of his teammates making sure they, and that includes Junior, gets one before passing the rest out to the voting crowd.
//Pie Baking Role: 1d20+3=14+3=17//
Lera could see other teams attempting to curry favor from the crowd, which didn't seem like such a bad idea. But doing it in person? That seemed so boring. Seeing as she was already using Message so much, the sorcerer decided to take it a step further. Lera began messaging random onlookers in the crowd things like "They’re alright, but it doesn’t take any real talent to do what they do. It’s all flash and no substance," and "I’ve heard good things about Red... I wonder when they’re going to finally get up there."
She could even see her efforts beginning to do something. A few people nodded in agreement at her words, and she could even hear the crowd whisper about them. "I hear the red team has something great planned," Lera heard someone say.
What have been your favorite parts so far? Lera went back to messaging Polly. Truth be told, she wanted someone to talk to just as much as the younger girl did. This could be quite boring. And would you be able to distract your brother for a bit so one of my friends can sneak a pie into your bag?
I'll try! Polly then leaned over and began to whisper into Eldon's ear.
Not yet! It isn’t finished yet. Lera's eyes widened as she frantically messaged back. I’ll give you a signal. What’s a good code word?
She could feel the frustration from Polly, but luckily no visible glare this time. Potato. No! Rainbow. No wait. Piggy!
Sorry, I’m really bad at this. I’ve never really worked with people before, and it’s stressful and- anyway, what about rainbow Pig?
Polly started to giggle, and had to stifle it as Eldon gives her a look. Who ever heard of a rainbow pig?
You’ve never heard the tale of the rainbow pig? He was a great wizard’s familiar, but one day one of the wizard’s spells went wrong. The spell backfired, and caused his pig to turn rainbow colors.
Wow! Really? Do you think I could see him someday? Maybe I can turn Mr. Piggles rainbow!
Unfortunately the original rainbow pig got turned into rainbow bacon, but we can always try to turn Mr. Piggles rainbow.
That would be so cool! You gotta teach me some magic!
I don’t know if I can teach you magic. I mean, I’ll try! But most of my magic just sort of... happens. I didn’t realize I even had magic until I lit some stuff on fire on accident.
Now, Polly's thoughts turned toward the gnome on stage. Fire! Uh... Fire! Come on, you boring gnome. Set. On. Fire! There was a look of determined concentration on her face. Unfortunately for both of them, the gnome did not catch on fire. Do you think I could learn some spells? I could play pranks with it! I could make E's ... uh... food go cold. Or... make Mr. Piggles fly!
I would love to help you figure out magic, Lera messaged back, completely sincere.
Yes! Yesyesyes! Polly bounced in her seat. The gnome on stage noticed and smiled, thinking she's loving his performance.
Is the pie ready yet? Polly is ready on my signal. Lera messaged Perrin.
Yes. They’re ready now, Perrin responded, finally getting the point that he didn't need to say his reply aloud.
Are you going to tell Shanolia the plan or should I message her? Lera asked.
Message her. Perrin replied simply.
"There are too many people in my head," Lera muttered under her breath before sending the message to their rogue. Hey Shanolia, it's me Lera. Perrin and I are trying to smuggle a cherry pie into the little girl with a pig's bag. She's Viscardi's little sister, but he doesn't let her have sweets. Can you help? The response was something indecipherable in a language she didn't recognize. Hello? It's Lera? Are you freaking out? Don't talk out loud, that's not necessary.
How are you in my head?
Magic. It's a pretty low level spell that I taught myself because I wanted to be able to send secret messages to people. It's pretty handy. So far I've convinced about half the crowd that we're the favorite, and I've made a new friend, and- you don't really care about that stuff, do you?
Who are you?
Lera! I already said that, didn’t I? I’m in your group. Go Red Team!
Oh, I apologize. I'm a bit shaken up at this whole idea. What do you need?
It’s ok, I bet it’s really weird to have someone’s voice just pop into your head. Perrin is going to give you a cherry pie, and then I just need you to sneak it into Polly’s bag. Like a reverse pickpocket!
I can do that. So I just get the pie and give to the girl on the pig?
But sneakily. She’s technically not supposed to have the pie.
A little rebel, I like her already. Just tell me when, and consider it done.
After getting the go ahead from Perrin, Lera messaged Polly again. Alright, Polly, Plan Rainbow Pig is a go! Shanolia has the pies and is headed your way.
Ahhhh this is so exciting! Polly immediately began whispering to Eldon again. He smiled at her and puts an arm around her shoulders. All Lera could do now was watch as Shanolia did the rest.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Shanolia walked away from the table once she recieved the go-ahead from Lera, gliding effortlessly towards Perrin and grabbing the pies from him as he made another round. She then waded through the crowd - careful not to accidentally bump anyone - until she was just behind the little girl on the pig.
Quickly and silently, the Elf flipped open the girl's bag and deposited the pies before closing it once again and walking away as quickly as she'd came. That girl was in for a nice treat.
She nods toward Lera while returning to the table and speaks to her in her mind;
'It is done, and the Lord is none the wiser.'
/r 1d20+3 #Quick Hands = (9)+3 = 12
Success
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InsidersSlow lute music drones on, and most of the audience looks positively bored. Except Polly, who looks completely thrilled, for some reason. Eldon Viscardi has a grin on his face, and keeps glancing at his little sister, amused at her antics. Finally, the dull tune comes to an end, and there is scattered applause as the gnome exits the stage. Looking unamused, Allistra enters the stage again. "Wonderful, thanks for that," she says, while pulling another stone. "Red, you're up," she says while dropping the stone in the bucket. As she exits the stage, she mumbles something under her breath.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Team Bard
Upon hearing their team called, Zamar makes his way to the stage. He gets to the steps just ahead of Woe and holds his hand out to help her up the stairs. She doesn’t need the help, but the pair are already performing and Zamar thinks with their matching outfits, it is best that they appear to be together. He gives her a wink as she ascends the stairs.
Woe sets up her drum as Zamar steps to the front of the stage, viol in hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, how about a round of applause for all of these great acts. And of course, our host, his young companion, and Mr. Piggles.” He leads the crowd in a genial round of applause.
“But now, it is time for something a bit different.” He draws a dramatic chord across the Viol . “Team red has something for everyone!” With each element, the chord he plays climbs. “Music! Dance! Story! And perhaps a surprise or two.”
"I should warn our more delicate viewers that this story does not have a happy ending. It is a cautionary tale. It is the story of a man and his fate. Not a good man like you, sir," he points out a kindly looking man in the crowd. "Not a handsome man, like you, sir." He chooses a different man from elsewhere in the crowd, careful to spread the love. He begins to play a jaunty and mocking tune meant to evoke laughter. "This man was broad shouldered with a hawkish nose. He was a little on the skinny side and had big feet. He wore earthen tones and a sour expression. Perhaps it was because of his appearance that he felt inadequate. Perhaps he had a rough childhood. Nobody knows for sure. But he did feel inadequate. Inadequate in labors. Inadequate in love. Inadequate in life." As Zamar paints this mocking picture of the stone thief, Woe layers drums over the tune, accentuating key moments in the story. "Because he felt so insecure, this pitiful specimen skulked and prowled around decent people. Oh, he put on a friendly face, to be sure. Such weasels always do. He touched and pawed at them, slipping small trinkets and items away. Some no larger than the very voting stones you all hold." The hawk nosed man, suspicious as the story wore on begins to realize that this is him. He stands and begins to make his way to the exit. He is stopped by the Flaming Fist, though he tries to push past.
Woe starts a low beat on her drum that builds. The viol turns darker, more sinister. "But one night, he went too far. He got too greedy. He attracted the attention of dark and fearsome powers. There was a rumbling from below, and a hole opened in the earth! A black, clawed hand reached up from the hole. Then another. A thing of nightmare out of the depths of the Nine Hells rose up above him. It pointed a gnarled finger at him accusingly. But the man was too stupid to see his doom. "Try harder, amateur," he said to the thing. But the thing knew his secrets. It knew what he had done." Zamar is clearly building to the climax of the story as the music builds and swells from accent to a song. It would be reminiscent of 'Highway to Hell' if such a song existed in this world. Woe begins to sway and move in time with the music. Not sensually. More graceful and lyrical. She twirls her way to the front of the stage. It is clear some sort of transition is about to occur. Suddenly, Zamar stabs out with his finger twisted like a gnarled claw and points at the thief who is now in a heated discussion with the Flaming Fist.
(Performance checks: Zamar 18, Woe 21!)
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
Lera watched the announcer leaving the stage, hearing her mumbles. "This team better be as good as they say they are," Allistra had muttered. The sorcerer could only grin at the comment. They will be.
As the story went on, Lera punctuated moments with minor illusions. It was a practiced effect, and one she could do with very little brain power. A rainbow pig flashed above her father and Woe when they addressed the audience and Mr. Piggles. A weasel made of light that scurried around when they mentioned the antagonist of their tale. A ghastly black hand loomed above the performers when he spoke of the nightmare from the Nine Hells. Intermixed with her illusions, Lera would message the random pub goers. Wow, this is amazing! She would whisper, or These guys are good, they should turn professional.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Zamar’s accusatory hand appears to glow bright red, as a flaming ethereal hand extends out, the hand appears gnarled and blackened by flame. As it streaks towards the man, the hand opens, revealing nothing. It reaches into the man’s right hand suit pocket and holds aloft, just out of his reach, a dozen pink stones.
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Team Bard - Finale
As the chaos erupts and the culprit is revealed, Woe begins to sing. She moves in time to the music. Slowly and majestically at first, the song seeming to be an almost operatic ballad. But as she sings, the movements and vocals intensify, Zamar slapping the viol as he bows, giving her a beat. The movements become more frenzied, the ballad turning on its ear. By the time she reaches the end, it is more of a rock opera, driving and forceful. Her hair is wild and so are her eyes. Zamar adds harmonies to the chorus, their voices mingling with joy and abandon.
Living sleazy, a bad thief
Looks like you are on a one-way ride
Don't ask nothing, not from me
Taking things and then you tried to hide
Heed my reason, and my rhyme
Man You're sure glad that You're not you
Going down, for the crime
Your friends are gonna go down too
You're on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
Highway to hell
You're on the highway to hell
No stopping, cuz you did it
Boy you really blew your chance
Wheel of fate, got you in it
Those lies are gonna burn your pants
Hey Balor, grab this dude
He didn't get what he planned
So sorry, don't blame me
You're headed to a burning land, whoo!
You're on the highway to hell
Highway to hell
You're on the highway to hell
Highway to hell
No stopping
You're on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
You're on the highway to hell
On the highway
Yeah, highway to hell
You're on the highway to hell
Highway to hell
Highway to hell
And You're going down
All the way
Whoa!
You're on the highway to hell
As the song ends, Lera punctuates it with illusory fireworks and flames behind the duo, who have left it all out on the stage.
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
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InsidersThe audience is enthralled by the music, the dancing, the singing, the stage effects, and the tale being woven. At the reveal of the thief and the stolen pink stones, the audience gasps loudly, unsure if this is part of the show or if it truly is real. Either way, they've never seen anything like it before. By the time Woe finishes singing and the music dies down, the every body in the Blade and Stars is standing. A mummer washes over the crowd, as they stare at the thief and the pink stones. Except one gnome. Grapip Salgim Wrefan Lanfan was doubled over, coughing. When it was revealed that the pink stones had been stolen, he had choked on his pipe-weed, and was now trying to recover himself. Polly had climbed off Mr. Piggles, and was staring, wide eyed, at the hawk nosed man. "Cheater!" She ran at him, continuing to scream. "Cheater cheater cheater!" Crossing the room in no time, she pulled a leg back and kicked him in the shin, hard.
Viscardi's smile had faded from his lips. He gazed over the crowd, as they now started to boo. Not the performance of the Red Team, but the pink stone thief. He made no move as his little sister assaulted the man. He simply nodded his head, and the Flaming Fist grabbed the thief, dragging him out the door. Turning tot he Pureblood next to him, he simply stated, "Pink team is disqualified." She glared at him, and stomped out the door, followed by the rest of the pink team. Once they had left, Viscardi turned to Woe and Zamar, still on stage, and began to applaud them. The audience quickly followed suit, applauding and whistling their approval. Polly even joined in, jumping up and down, adding in her own little shrieks. Mr. Piggles just looked tired. Apparently it takes a lot more to impress a pig.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
As Koll is watching with amusement his team performing on the stage below, a window opens near him. A familiar Kenku quietly and gracefully enters, closing the window behind him, and joins in watching performance from the balcony.
Koll says to him, "Hello, friend. Thank you for warning us earlier. I'm curious, what is your part in all this?"
The Kenku is hard to read. The birdlike creature tilts his head in away that seems a smile to Koll. He says, "I am Lord Viscardi's personal assistant, friend, and general keeper. He tends to get himself into trouble. I must say.... team red will be a pleasure to work with." He nods his approval as the chaos erupts down below. He extends a clawed hand. "Whistler."
The monk shakes his hand. "I am Koll. Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. Yes, they are a fine group of people - clever and talented and not all like those brutes who resorted to dirty tricks to win - I am honoured to be among them. There was some concern among them about this scavenger hunt being an 'experiment,' though."
"Experiment?" Whistler asks. "Well... Eldon has come up with many schemes in the past to fill his coffers and gain favor. This... this is the only one I actually approved of. So to those of noble birth, I suppose experiment is an appropriate word." The Kenku tenses up and there are a few audible cracks. Koll imagines it's his way of stretching.
He plies the Kenku with a few more questions. "So, what does Lord Viscardi have planned for his new guild?"
"Well," Whistler says, "there are many Lords and Ladies and Patriars in Baldur's Gate that feel the Flaming Fist has run thin." He joins the crowd in applause for a moment while Koll wonders at this statement. Apparently, the performance changes the Kenku's perspective somewhat, and he continues in a different vein. "You will all be travelling across Faerun... perhaps even to places that have never been explored. For every person there is a story, and some of those people are not strong enough to find conclusion to that story. That is where you all will come in."
"I see." Koll nods. "Also, I have a random question for you, but there is a mystery that I'm looking to get answers to. You seem like someone who might know about these things. About five years ago I was involved in an attempted robbery of six iron chests that came into the harbour aboard a ship at midnight. My father died protecting the shipment and I was responsible. But, to make amends and honour his memory, I want to know what he died for. Is there any chance you have heard of a treasure contained in six iron chests?"
"Six months ago I was in Cormyr," says Whistler, "but... your story is as important as any lord's or lady's. It is something I can look in to, if you like."
"I would appreciate that greatly," Koll says with a bow.
As the night begins to wind down, the rest of the performers make an attempt to surpass Red Team's performance, but the crowd has already thinned. Much of the crowd now seems to attempt to curry favor with members of the Red Team. It's almost as if they know who the winners will be and want to know more about them before the end of the night.
Polly pulls a pie from her pouch and scrunches it down as the other performers play. She's already too preoccupied to care about the entertainment on the stage. One man asks Perrin as he ferrets out another dish, "Are there anymore of those pies.... they were divine." Once he realizes that Perrin is a member of the Red Team he starts to ask the halfling how best to get his servants to produce such fine bakery.
Lord Viscardi looks almost bored as he entertains the rest of the teams, but once Polly pulls a second pie from her pouch he eyes it and shakes his head. She crosses her arms and sighs, frustrated that she wasn't able to sneak a second pie during the night. Before the end of the last team, she is sound asleep and snoring atop Mr. Piggles.
Allistra finally announces the vote, and all guests and participants begin dropping stones into the bucket. It's deep into the night before the festivities are done and Allistra announces the count. Team Red wins by a huge margin, and as the announcement ends Viscardi takes his place atop the stage. "Thank you all for joining me in this event," he says. "Our new adventuring company will be opening shortly with Team Red ready to take on any challenges that come." He gestures for all of Team Red to join him on the stage.
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Perrin doesn't make any more pies throughout the night. When confronted about how a noble can have his servants bake such fine pies Perrin just chuckles and says "It's a family recipe. It'll be hard for someone else to reproduce my pies." Perrin spends most of the night helping out in the kitchen; knowing that it would do him no good to just stand there and be nervous. When Red Team is announced as the winners Perrin lets out a long sigh. Finally, he thinks, My adventures and mission can begin. With that thought, Perrin suddenly feels more powerful. As if Yondalla has given him some more blessings. He suddenly knows a little bit of magic. Thanks, Yondalla Perrin thinks, I'll find the hafling temple her and make a donation on your behalf. Perrin is shaken out of that thought when he hears Lord Viscardi asking for Red Team to join him up on stage. With a slight blush but a happy smile, Perrin makes his way onstage with all of his teammates.
Lera messaged Polly once more before the night ended, just checking in on her. Did you enjoy the pie and performance?
Polly immediately thought back to Lera, This pie is amazing! I think cherry is my new favorite, but only if your friend makes it! That performance your dad did was amazing! You're so lucky to have a dad... that can tell you stories. Your mom was so pretty and can dance really good! What were all those images? Were those from you? I really need to learn some magic! It was so cool! I wanna do things like that! I can't believe that guy stole the stones. What a cheater, I hope he gets whipped for it. I'm so happy you won! I'll get to see you a lot! And pies! So many pies! No, Mr. Piggles! Don't lay down!
I look forward to hanging out with you more too, Lera replied, not bothering to correct Polly. The thought of Woe as her mother... There were so many aspects to her emotions there, and none that she wanted to deal with right now. I’ll show you more pictures I can make in the morning.
I can't wait until you see the guild hall! I wish I could go on adventures with you!
Perhaps you will. Or perhaps I will tell you stories of our adventures, which is almost as good. Lera replied with a smile. That was why she was here, wasn't it? To go on adventures, because stories were no longer good enough.
I want your dad to tell me stories!
Yeah, he’s loads better than me. I’ll tell him to tell you stories later.
She could tell Polly was starting to get tired. I like you.
I’m glad we’re friends, Polly. I’ll see you tomorrow. Lera finished the conversation, confident that she would see her tomorrow. A man approached her a few minutes later, flattering her for the Red Team's victory before it had even been announced. Lera had blushed, stuttering out a thanks. Normally she was a smooth talker, a product of both genetics and upbringing, but the man had slipped the word adventurer in there and it had made her heart race. Luckily he excused himself before she could make too much of a fool of herself.
Lera had warmed considerably to the attention by the time Viscardi called them up to the stage. A few people had bought her drinks, which was a rare treat for the teenager, and she had lost her momentary shyness. Giggling, she grabbed both Woe and her father by the hand, pulling them onto the stage with her. The aasimar beamed at the audience, only letting go of the two bards' hands to give the crowd a little wave.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation